Book Review: Keeping Her (Losing It #1.5) by Cora Carmack

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Keeping Her

Losing It #1.5

By:  Cora Carmack

Published:  August 13, 2013

Publisher:  William Morrow

Source:  Publisher

GR's Summary

Garrick Taylor and Bliss Edwards managed to find their happily-ever-after despite a rather . . . ahem . . . complicated start. By comparison, meeting the parents should be an absolute breeze, right?

But from the moment the pair lands in London, new snags just keep cropping up: a disapproving mother-in-law-to-be, more than one (mostly) minor mishap, and the realization that perhaps they aren't quite as ready for their future as they thought.

As it turns out, the only thing harder than finding love is keeping it.

 Other Books in the Losing It Series

Lindy's Thoughts:

Garrick and Bliss are the sweetest couple ever!  Their personalities really shine through in this novella.  Bliss was sweet, funny, shy, and a little awkward.  She is such a real character, and her essence came through.  Garrick was so gallant, handsome, devoted, and sexy.  He made me sigh,  and go "awww," many times throughout the story as he "swooned" me.

These two prove time and time again, that whatever obstacles are thrown in their paths, they will get through it, because they share a beautiful, and selfless type of love.  They always worry about each other, more than themselves.  Let me tell you, they had their share of challenges in this story!  It was very eye opening getting Bliss and Garrick's alternating point of views.  I love how Ms. Carmack continued the story for us.  Many times, we get the happily ever after ending, and that concludes the story, but often I wonder, "now what?"  Well, Ms. Carmack answered my question beautifully, as we get to see that Garrick and Bliss' story didn't end, it fact, it was just beginning. 

Keeping Her has topped the list of my favorite novella's!  It had all of the ingredients that I know I can expect from a Cora Carmack story.  Keeping Her, had well-rounded characters, humor, romance, sexiness, and a fast-paced, well developed story.  I loved learning more about Garrick, where he came from, his best friends, and background.  London was such a romantic setting, and Ms. Carmack's descriptions were pure perfection.  I felt like I was in London on vacation, and I enjoyed all the sightseeing.  Ms. Carmack was a great tour host.  The dialect, and sayings were authentic of the English.  I enjoyed Garrick's "mates," Graham, and Roland.  These two guys had me laughing at their antics, and storytelling.  I could picture Bliss blushing constantly.  

Poor Bliss got the mother-in-law from hell!  That lady was really stuck up, rude, condescending, and intimidating.  Garrick's father only cared about money, prestige, and putting on a "show" for everyone.  He was so fake.  Poor Garrick, I didn't blame him for moving far away from his family, and keeping his parent's wealth, background, and snobby attitudes, away from Bliss.  It's a wonder that Garrick turned out so amazing, with the parents he had.  I loved Bliss and Garrick's relationship.  It felt so real, and admirable.  I was extremely happy with the ending!  There was no cliffhanger, and everything was resolved  beautifully.

My Rating:

I give Keeping her by Cora Carmack 5 Beautifully Written, Resilient, Romantic, and  Swoon-Worthy Stars!  I highly recommend this novella.  Ms. Carmack fit a great little story in to a hundred pages, and I was impressed.  If you haven't began the Losing It Series, start now.  You don't want to miss out!

My Favorite Quotes:

"He shook his head, and lowered his lips to my ear.  There's only one kind.  Whether I'm inside you or lying beside you or touching your hair or listening to you laugh, it all means the same thing.  If I'm with you, I'm happy."  (eARC, Loc. 217)

~Garrick

"As I tried to keep from squirming, he said, As much as I'm dying to have you right now, you're mine.  And I don't share.  I swallowed, and squeezed my legs tighter.  This was somehow the worst and best moment of my life.  In fact, most of our relationship fell into those categories.  Best Boyfriend.  Worst embarrassing moment.  Best kiss.  Worst excuse ever.  Best (well...only) sex.  Worst timing.  But I could take all the worsts, if the best always followed."  (eARC, Loc. 619)

~Bliss


"He said, "I realize I'm being redundant now, but I just can't help it.  Marry me?  You're going to make me wear out the word yes.  Nah.  I'm saving that goal for our wedding night."  (eARC, Loc. 875)

~Garrick & Bliss

Ria's Take

What a fun quick read this was! I absolutely loved revisiting some of my favorite characters. I Highly recommend this for those that have read Losing It.

K-nowing, these two love each other beyond words. Their love is full of action and deeds.

E-ntranced, love has always been their meeting place. Never knowing they’d find each other further solidifies their resolve.

E-ntertainment, arriving at a party, our fav gal makes a smashing entrance.

P-roduction, a father makes a show of an event that should remain within the family.

I-ntroduction, pleasant and distant seems to be the order of the day.

N-aive, completely charmed Bliss doesn’t see the truth behind Mr. Taylor’s actions.

G-hastly, a mother terrified of losing her son acts in an unimaginable way.

H-umiliation, the other order of the day.

E-ntertained, Bliss is left alone and all secrets are revealed to Mrs. Taylor. 

R-esolution, amazing advice comes from an unexpected place Bliss and Garrick find the answers they were seeking thanks to Mrs Taylor’s help.

For the price I Highly Highly recommend this fun quirky read. This is a fun read that reminds us why we fell in love with Garrick and Bliss in the first place. 

My Rating

4.00 London, Vase, Casual, Exes, Shopping, Interview, Truths, Answers, Love Filled Stars!! For a fun Bliss and Garrick quirky Sexy read I highly highly recommend this book!!

Casting

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About the Author

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

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